STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - ALL SHORES - Dr. Anthony Pannone believes he is driving his wife crazy. "All I talk about is teeth," he admits. "24/7."

There's a good reason why. Dr. Pannone, formerly of Great Kills and a graduate of St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School in Annadale, has wanted to be a dentist since he was 16 years old. And now at the age of 42, he is one – a thriving one at that, as a partner in a practice called Oakwood Dental Arts on Staten Island, with a newer branch of the same name in Freehold, N.J.

"I believe it was a calling," said Dr. Pannone earnestly. He remembers that former Sea Principal, Monsignor Joseph Ansaldi, "used to make me study scripture with him. He tried to get me to be a dentist."

If that was his real goal, the Monsignor succeeded. These days, his former student is knee-deep in teeth.

After graduating from Wagner College and New York University School of Dentistry, Dr. Pannone said he's "been on a mission ever since."

"We have more than 12 dentists here (in Oakwood) in every specialty," said Dr. Pannone. "We act as a team approach."

Dr. Mark Ruggeri, 31, who is part of the group on Staten Island, calls it "a one-stop shop."

This way, he said, "the patient is not all over the Island."

STATEN ISLAND GUYS

Three of the key players in the practice have roots in many Staten Island communities.

Dr. Ruggeri – who concentrates on filling cavities, installing crowns and doing root canals – grew up in Tottenville and graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School in Oakwood, the community he lives in now.

Dr. Pannone and Dr. Ruggeri are joined by Dr. Emanuel Graziano, 42, who specializes in implants. He grew up in Bulls Head and graduated from St. Peter's Boys High School in New Brighton. Dr. Graziano now lives in Colts Neck, N.J.; Dr. Pannone in Freehold, N.J.

Dr. Pannone helped establish the practice at its Staten Island location six years ago, taking over a spot formerly occupied by Dr. John D'Alessio, a stone's throw from the campus of Farrell High School, near the Oakwood train station. Dr. Graziano preceded him; he has been working out of this location for about 10 years.

Dr. Pannone admits that some Staten Islanders may view the 6-year-old expanded practice as "a mill," but he says that's not so; it's simply a way to provide comprehensive service to people who are pressed for time and to find dentists who are able to provide the services they need at a price that's tough to beat.

According to Dr. Pannone, Oakwood Dental Arts accepts whatever a patient's insurance company pays for a particular service. There are no extra charges.

PERSONALITY PLUS

The three key frontmen – who dress in black scrubs on the job – are decidedly different personalities. Dr. Pannone, a Taurus, is a definite Type A – intense, committed, driven, yet friendly and more than engaging.

"I'm a highly competitive person," he said. "My objective is to treat the public."

Dr. Graziano, a Leo, comes across as the most laid back of the bunch. With two daughters – Sabrina, 13, and Diana, 11 – he's likely learned to let things roll off his back a bit.

Another Leo, Dr. Ruggeri is the detail person, making sure that Dr. Pannone's sweeping visions get communicated and carried out according to plan.

Yet surprisingly, the three click. Dr. Pannone thinks it has to do with the stars. "Everyone who likes me is a Leo," he said.

But it could be that the chemistry is due, in large part, to their similar backgrounds and schooling. All come from relatively humble roots.

Dr. Graziano thought about joining the military before he figured out "early on that I couldn't work for anyone else."

Dentistry seemed like a natural, he said. "I was good in sciences in school and good with my hands."

" 'Be a dentist, like your cousin,' my grandfather used to say to me," continued Dr. Graziano, the only person on his side of the family tree to graduate from college. For the record, he attended Hunter College and New York University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Ruggeri was thinking dentistry at the age of 19. He helped build houses as a teen and discovered that he, too, liked to craft. Studying science came easily to him in school.

"I'm only the second in my family to graduate from college," he said. "My brother beat me."

Dr. Ruggeri earned his degrees from Wagner College and then the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is now the father of 9-month-old, Salvatore.

Dr. Pannone's dad drove a truck for a living; he's one of seven children, and now has two of his own – Ava, 4 and Alexander, 2.

The combination makes for a "very fun office," said Dr. Ruggeri. "And the patients feed off it. I've worked for five years on Staten Island – here for eight months. It's the best decision I could have made."

Dr. Graziano likens Oakwood Dental Arts to the Field of Dreams. "If you build it, they will come," he said.

After all, he notes, "A smile is equivalent to a person's self-esteem. I've had patients cry" when I've corrected their appearance.

Oakwood Dental Arts is at 1839 N. Railroad Ave. The telephone number is 718-979-2121.

Words to live by

Here are some oft-ignored tips on teeth and gums from Dr. Emanuel Graziano of Oakwood Dental Arts.

Technique is important

Lighten up. Most people press too hard when brushing their teeth, which can take a toll on the gums.

Stick with the basics. Use regular fluoride toothpaste; it does a perfectly fine job. There is no need for products that promise whiteners, tartar control and other enhancements.

Don't be a tough guy. Choose a toothbrush labeled "soft" and when you brush, make small circles along the surfaces of your teeth; do not scrub up and down.

Flossing is a must. Don't overlook it.

An extra layer of protection. Athletes should always wear mouthguards on the field – whether it's a practice session, a game or just some pick-up play.

Notable findings There is a genetic component to periodontal disease and decay, so if your parents or grandparents had problems, you may be predisposed to experience them too. Researchers now suspect a correlation between tooth plaque, diabetes and heart disease. A person is 100 percent more likely to develop heart disease from gum disease than if he or she sat down and ate shrimp and butter.

Something to smile about

This holiday season, the professional team at Oakwood Dental Arts is looking to give back to the community that has supported them over the years. Dr. Pannone is looking for someone who needs a smile-makeover. Please send a letter stating why you, or a loved one, deserves some TLC of this sort, along with a photo, to Oakwood Dental Arts, 1839 N. Railroad Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306. Address it to the attention of Dr. Pannone. The person who is selected will receive care free of charge.